this is probably going to sound false, or pithy or simplistic, but it’s not. one of the truly, TRULY beautiful things about personal suffering is that, by God’s grace and tender mercies, it increases one’s compassion for the suffering of others. that is an incredibly beautiful thing. it is a GIFT beyond measure to have the smallest glimpse into the tenderness of God’s heart for our hurts, and to be able to share that with others. weeping with those who weep is a privilege, comforting others with the comfort God has given us is an honor. Jesus said that when we did for the least of these we did for Him. perhaps comforting one another, weeping with one another is a chance for us to stay and watch with Him in gethsemane, instead of falling asleep.

so, it is our privilege and joy to comfort one another, to stand shoulder to shoulder and face the battle in shared tears, encouraged to last another moment.